You won’t believe why the government is forcing a family to destroy a vegetable garden on their own land

While the fight against the out-of-control federal government is a vital one, it’s important to realize that state and local governments often get power-hungry and oppressive all on their own.

It seems that after decades of seeing the federal government regulate away our fundamental freedoms, local governments are getting jealous and trying to get in on the game.

Look no further than Sugar Creek, Missouri, where a family was given four days to tear up every vegetable in their garden in the front yard or face absurd fees.

Rare has more details:

What makes the situation even more unfair is the fact that the ordinance under which the city is fining Nathan Athans and his family was just passed on March 28, 2016. Because of that remarkably convenient timing, Athans believes he is being personally targeted.

He would move the garden to the backyard but it doesn’t get adequate sunlight, so the vegetables can’t grow there.

The new law says the garden has to be at least 30 feet from the road, which isn’t possible on Athans’ property.

That last word is what makes this all so ridiculous: It is, in fact, private property.

A front yard vegetable garden might not be to everyone’s taste, but that doesn’t justify using the government to force gardeners to comply with other people’s preferences.

Thomas Jefferson was last seen rolling over numerous times in his grave. While Jefferson’s vision of America was one of agrarian farmers toiling in the land and making their own way, I think it’s fair to say every single Founding Father would not be able to comprehend a view of property rights in America, where citizens are fined for trying to grow their own food.

This isn’t even an isolated incident, as Rare points out that this has happened in numerous states, with threats of jail time and fines as high as $500 per day.

When did all levels of government get this much power? Things have gotten out of control.